First 1,000 Days Framework
The First 1,000 Days
The first 1,000 days is the earliest stage of human development, from the time of conception through to a child’s second birthday.
This critical window of early childhood development has a profound and lasting effect on cognitive, social, and physical outcomes, shaping the foundation for a person’s lifelong health, wellbeing and potential.
If you are interested in learning more about the first 1,000 days, please see the following resources:
- First 1,000 Days: An Evidence Paper
This research, conducted in 2017 by the Centre for Community Child Health at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne provides a comprehensive look into the importance and long-term impacts of this period.
- Why children and their early years matter: Evidence Summary
This comprehensive evidence summary supports the National Early Years Strategy 2024–2034., which the First 1000 Days Framework aligns with. This report draws on the literature, explaining the importance of the early years as part of child development and wellbeing.
- The First 1,000 Days: YouTube Video Dr Tim Moore, senior research fellow at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne succinctly highlights the importance of the first 1,000 days and the benefits of investment in this critical period of a child’s life.
The First 1,000 Days Framework
The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), on behalf of WA Health and in close collaboration with the WA Country Health Service and Health Networks, is leading the development of a whole of government First 1,000 Days Framework.
The development of a whole-of-government framework for the first 1,000 days also addresses the intent of Recommendation 8, of the WA Health Sustainable Health Review:
‘Health actively partners in a whole of government approach to supporting children and families in getting the best start to life to become physically and mentally healthy adults.’
The framework will be future focused, providing agreement and direction to guide policies, programs, services, and models of care for the first 1,000 days, supporting families, and ensuring every child receives the best start to life.
The framework will directly align to the National Early Years Strategy, the Australian Government’s vision that sets the direction and course for collective efforts to nurture young children for a bright future. The framework will provide a WA-specific strategic direction in reference to this strategy, with a focus on the First 1,000 Days.
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Consultation
Consumer engagement
Consumer engagement will be embedded throughout the development of the First 1,000 Days Framework to ensure the document reflects the needs of Western Australian parents, families, and carers.
Consumers are involved in the development of the framework through:
- Participation at the First 1,000 Days Symposium.
- Establishment of a Consumer Advisory Group.
- Consultation within existing consumer and advocacy groups.
- Broad consumer consultation (under development).
Stakeholder engagement
Involving stakeholders in the development of the First 1,000 Days Framework fosters collaboration and support for the framework and its outcomes, and ensures the framework is reflective of a whole-of-government approach.
Stakeholders are involved in the development of the framework through many methods, including:
- The First 1,000 Days Symposium.
- Targeted consultation with government agencies, non-government organisations, advocacy and peer support groups, and individuals involved in the first 1000 days of life.
- Establishment of an Inter-agency Group with other government agencies.
- Establishment of a Health Advisory Group with representatives across WA Health.
- Participation in existing reference groups.
- Draft framework consultation processes, including workshops.
News and updates
Consultation workshops
Workshops in August and September 2024 sought to identify key priorities for the First 1,000 Days Framework. These were through online, face-to-face and hybrid opportunities with both the Government and non-Government sector.
Work is underway to analyse the information collected to identify the key priorities in WA.
First 1,000 Days symposium
A symposium was held on the 29 April 2024, marking the beginning of extensive stakeholder consultation for the framework.
Key representatives from government, non-government organisations, and consumer groups gathered along with esteemed speakers to offer diverse perspectives on the first 1,000 days.
The symposium facilitated discussion regarding priorities, success measures, and the importance of culture.
Keynote speakers:
- Valerie Jovanovic – CAHS Chief Executive
- A/Prof Helen Wright – Department of Health, Child and Youth Health Network Lead
- Dr Janet Hornbuckle – Department of Health, Women and Newborn Health Network Lead
- Professor Fiona Stanley AC, FAA, FASSA, FAHMS – Founding Director & Patron, Telethon Kids Institute
- Professor Rhonda Marriott AM, PhD., RN., Midwife, Fellow CATSINaM – Pro Vice Chancellor, Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
- Jacqueline McGowan-Jones – Commissioner for Children and Young People
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Communiques
WA First 1,000 Days Framework Symposium
CAHS recently held a symposium to inform the development of a new First 1,000 Days Framework for WA.
It brought together 95 government, non-government stakeholders and consumers to discuss the importance of the first 1,000 days and identify key priorities for action.
The symposium was designed and developed by a Planning Committee responsible for overseeing the development of the First 1,000 Days Framework, in line with the 10-year objective of the Sustainable Health Review’s Recommendation 8:
‘Partnerships are established between the Department of Health and other WA departments and organisations providing services to children and families during the first 1,000 days of life that are connected, accessible and focus on prevention.’
Feedback addressed:
- What we are doing well now
- Framework priorities
- Service accessibility
- Connection and coordination of services
- What the Framework can deliver.
Next steps
The First 1,000 Day Project Team will be conducting broad and targeted consumer and stakeholder consultation in July and August 2024, to gather further information to inform the development of the framework.
For additional information or any queries, please contact first1000days@health.wa.gov.au.
To read the full communique, click here.
WA First 1,000 Days Framework - November Update
The project team has been busy in the next phases of the project and framework development. This has included a review of relevant strategic documents, including but not limited to:
- The National Early Years Strategy – The First 1000 Days Framework will align and provide a WA-specific Framework.
- National Agreement on Closing the Gap
- The ARACY Nest – an evidence-based framework for child and youth wellbeing
- The Select Committee into Child Development Services
- A path to universal early childhood education and care – Inquiry Report
Acknowledging the number of other national and State strategies with a focus on this period, the project team is working to ensure the Framework is a conduit to existing initiatives.
Next steps
The team is now identifying priorities for each focus area based on the feedback from consultation, consumers, a review of the evidence and review of other strategic initiatives. More information, including framework development, will be provided in early 2025.
For additional information or any queries, please contact first1000days@health.wa.gov.au.
To read the full communique, click here.